Portable Exercise Apparatus

ABSTRACT

A portable exercise apparatus for mounting above a door frame is provided. The portable exercise apparatus comprises a clamping member and a pull up bar mechanism. The clamping member is capable of being releasably secured above the door frame. A swivel joint is mounted between the clamping member and the pull up bar mechanism wherein the swivel joint permits full horizontal rotation of at least three hundred and sixty (360°) degrees of the pull up bar mechanism enabling a full rotation pull up workout.

CLAIM OF PRIORITY

This patent application claims priority under 35 USC 119 (e) (1) from U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/129,704 filed Mar. 6, 2015, of common inventorship herewith entitled, “Pull Up 360,” which is incorporated herein by reference as though the same were set forth in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention pertains to the field of exercise equipment, and more specifically to the field of pull up devices.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Being physically active is one of the most effective tools in increasing one's health of mind, body and spirit. Reducing risk of heart disease and stroke, physical activity also helps to lower or control other risk factors such as high blood pressure, high blood cholesterol, excess body weight and diabetes. A regular exercise regimen helps an individual look and feel better, become stronger and more flexible, possess more energy, and reduce stress and tension.

More than an approximated five billion dollars is spent on exercise equipment each year. Exercise and fitness are a big business and a major concern to a great many people. Exercise equipment ranges from stair climbing machines and elliptical trainers to rowing machines, free weights, cable guided weight training machines, treadmills and stationary bicycles. The biggest difference between various machines and various forms of training equipment has far less to do with the configuration of the equipment than with how often and how effectively that piece of equipment is used.

If the equipment is too complicated or takes too long to set up and break down, the exerciser is less likely to use it for very long. Some of the most effective fitness products are the simplest ones. An essential and effective exercise, when performed consistently, is the simple pull up. Many-exercisers equip a door frame in their home with an extendable tensioning pull up bar.

The prior art has put forth several designs for pull up devices. Among these are:

U.S. Pat. No. 7,540,831 to Stephen G. Hauser, Mark B. Friedman and Alden M. Mills describes an exercise assembly for performing a wide array of exercises including pull ups and chin ups. The exercise assembly includes a bar connected between rotatable swing arm assemblies. The swing arm assemblies extend along vertical faces of a frame and are adapted to rotate the bar from one position between the vertical faces to another position. The exercise assembly includes at least one handle assembly removably grasping the central bar and having a handle adapted to rotate approximately three hundred sixty degrees during exercise.

U.S. Pat. No. 7,066,866 to Mitch T. Mobley describes a chin up bar assembly with a cross bar and a pair of handles slidably mounted on the cross bar. The handles are pivotally mounted for movement between locked and unlocked positions. When a user hangs from the handles, the handles automatically pivot to the locked position to frictionally engage the cross bar and prevent sliding movement of the handles along the cross bar. The handles also are swiveled during use to exercise different muscles in the user's arms, chest and back.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,776,033 to William R. Brown describes a removable chin up bar arrangement that includes spaced body members situated at opposite ends of a chin up bar extending there between, the bar being rotatable with respect to the body members. Opposed pincher members are swingably attached to each of the body members and are adapted to extend about and hang the body members and the chin up bar from an overhead support such as the framing extending about an interior doorway. A gear tooth lock mechanism extends between the ends of the chin up bar and each of the pincher members. The lock mechanism moves the pincher members in unison toward each other and causes the chin up bar to rotate in a first direction. Upon rotation of the bar in the opposite direction, the pincher members open away from each other, permitting removal of the chin up bar arrangement from the doorway.

None of these prior art references describe the present invention.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the present invention to provide a portable pull up exercise apparatus containing a fully swivel joint and is engineered for easy removable installation above a door frame.

The present invention is a portable exercise apparatus for mounting above a door frame. The portable exercise apparatus comprises a clamping member capable of being releasably secured above the door frame and a pull up bar mechanism. A swivel joint is mounted between the clamping member and the pull up bar mechanism wherein the swivel joint permits full horizontal rotation of at least three hundred and sixty (360°) degrees of the pull up bar mechanism enabling a full rotation pull up workout.

In addition, the present invention is a method for constructing a portable exercise apparatus and mounting above a door frame. The method comprises providing a clamping member, providing a pull up bar mechanism, mounting a swivel joint mounted between the clamping member and the pull up bar mechanism, releasably securing the clamping member above the door frame, permitting full horizontal rotation of the pull up bar mechanism relative to the clamping member, and enabling a full rotation pull up workout.

The present invention further includes a portable exercise apparatus for mounting above a door frame. The portable exercise apparatus comprises a clamping member comprising an L-shaped first clamping arm having a free end and a connecting end, an L-shaped second clamping arm having a free end and a connecting end with the free ends of the first clamping arm and the second clamping arm facing each other, and a U-shaped connecting arm perpendicularly connected between the connecting ends of the first clamping arm and the second clamping arm. A tension mechanism moves the free ends of the first clamping arm and the second clamping arm in a general direction toward each other. A pull up bar mechanism is provided and comprises a semicircular bracket and a pull up bar with the pull up bar is supported between two free ends of the bracket. A swivel joint is mounted between the clamping member and the pull up bar mechanism. The clamping member is capable of being releasably secured above the door frame. The swivel joint permits full horizontal rotation of at least three hundred and sixty (360°) degrees of the pull up bar mechanism enabling a full rotation pull up workout.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a portable exercise device, constructed in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 2 is another perspective view illustrating the portable exercise device of FIG. 1, constructed in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view illustrating the portable exercise device, constructed in accordance with the present invention, showing a rotatable joint component capable of swiveling a minimum of three hundred sixty (360°) degrees.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention, hereinafter referred to as a Portable Exercise Apparatus, indicated generally at 10, is a portable pull up exercise device intended for household or gym use and engineered for easy removable installation above a door frame. Unique to the Portable Exercise Apparatus 10 is a swivel joint 12 that permits full horizontal rotation of a pull up bar mechanism 14, enabling users to get a full rotation pull up workout. The Portable Exercise Apparatus 10 doubles the effectiveness of a home pull up routine by providing the adjustable, clamping, doorframe pull up bar mechanism 14 with the at least three hundred sixty (360°) degree horizontal swivel joint 12 which permits a user to combine lateral rotational twisting motions with the traditional vertical motion of a pull up.

The Portable Exercise Apparatus 10 of the present invention consists of two components, a clamping member 16 for securing the Portable Exercise Apparatus 10 to the top of a door frame and the pull up bar mechanism 14 secured to the clamping member 16. The pull up bar mechanism 14 is joined to the clamping member 16 by the three hundred sixty (360°) degree swivel joint 12.

The clamping member 16 of the Portable Exercise Apparatus 10 of the present invention includes an L-shaped first clamping arm 18 having a free end and a connecting end, an L-shaped second clamping arm 20 having a free end and a connecting end, and a U-shaped connecting arm 22 connected between the connecting ends of the first clamping arm 18 and the second clamping arm 20. The free ends of the first clamping arm 18 and the second clamping arm 20 face each other. Basically, the combined first clamping arm 18, the second clamping arm 20, and the connecting arm 22 creates a clamping member 16 substantially rectangular or squared in aspect, describing a supine C-shaped clamping member 16. The two opposing clamping arms, i.e., the first clamping arm 18 and the second clamping arm 20, are fitted with rubber gripping pads 24 at the free ends of the clamping arms 18, 20. The first clamping arm 18 and the second clamping arm 20 of the clamping member 16 are preferably adjustably tensioned with an internal tensioning spring or a hand turned rotary screw. The first clamping arm 18 and the second clamping arm 20 releasably secure the Portable Exercise Apparatus 10 to each side of a door frame as the first clamping arm 18 and the second clamping arm 20 grip neatly above the soffit or door trim to squeeze against the header. In a preferred embodiment, the first clamping arm 18 and the second clamping arm 20 are adjustable relative to the connecting arm 22 allowing the clamping member 16 to fit any and all door frames. Once again, in a preferred embodiment, the first clamping arm 18 and the second clamping arm 20 include an adjustable height button lock 21 to releasably secure the first clamping arm 18 and the second clamping arm 20 in a desired location.

Centered on the connecting arm 22 of the clamping member 16 of the Portable Exercise Apparatus 10 of the present invention and within the door frame, is a short descending vertical bar or cylinder 26. In an embodiment, at the base of the vertical bar or cylinder 26 is a pair of flat circular disks or plates that are joined with a full rotation, i.e., at least three hundred sixty (360°) degrees, horizontally oriented ball bearing swivel joint 12. It should be noted that while a particular type of swivel joint 12 has been described an illustrated herein, it is within the scope of the present invention to use any type of swivel joint 12. An adjustable lock screw 27 can be provided to releasably secure the swivel joint 12 from rotating, as desired.

Mounted to the swivel joint of the Portable Exercise Apparatus 10 of the present invention, below the clamping member 16, is the pull up mechanism 14. Preferably, the pull up mechanism 14 includes a descending semicircular bracket 28 having two ends supporting a pull up bar 30 between them. In a preferred embodiment, the bracket 28 is constructed from a steel material although constructing the bracket 28 from another type of material is within the scope of the present invention. For a safe and comfortable grip, the pull up bar 30 is preferably finished with a textured rubber gripping surface thereby providing a safe and comfortable grip for the user.

The Portable Exercise Apparatus 10 of the present invention preferably measures approximately eight (8″) inches to twelve (12″) inches in height and approximately three (3″) inches to five (5″) inches in width. The pull up bar 30 of the pull up bar mechanism 14 preferably measures approximately five (5″) inches in length.

The Portable Exercise Apparatus 10 of the present invention is preferably available in sets of two to accommodate each hand. In addition, the clamping member 16 of the Portable Exercise Apparatus 10 is preferably manufactured using strong and durable yet lightweight materials such as injection molded polycarbonate. The rotary swivel joint 12 and the pull up bar mechanism 14 are preferably fabricated in steel. It should be noted that while a particular material has been described for constructing the clamping member 16, the swivel joint 12, and the pull up bar mechanism 14, it is within the scope of the present invention to use any type of material suitable for strength and durability.

Furthermore, each Portable Exercise Apparatus 10 of the present invention is packaged with instructions for mounting the Portable Exercise Apparatus 10 securely above a door frame as well as instructional material on using the Portable Exercise Apparatus 10. A handy, drawstring or zippered carry pouch for travel and/or storage of the Portable Exercise Apparatus 10 can also be included.

The Portable Exercise Apparatus 10 of the present invention provides users with a self-contained, easily portable exercise apparatus that is set up within moments in virtually any doorway. The

Portable Exercise Apparatus 10 provides a full range of both conventional pull up exercises and pull ups with twists and lateral rotation. With its unique swiveling capability, the present invention doubles the effectiveness of a pull up workout, as the rotational twisting motions combined with a variety of bar gripping techniques vigorously works all the major muscle groups of the body in an intense cardiovascular workout. The Portable Exercise Apparatus 10 is constructed for using at home and when travelling away from home. Fabricated in a tough and durable synthetic polymer, the compact and lightweight Portable Exercise Apparatus 10 of the present invention fits easily into a suitcase or overnight bag as the perfect exercise accessory for any health conscious person traveling on business or pleasure. Clever in conception and fabricated of high quality materials for a long and dependable working life, the Portable Exercise Apparatus 10 will withstand many years of effective and continued use.

Although this invention has been described with respect to specific embodiments, it is not intended to be limited thereto and various modifications which will become apparent to the person of ordinary skill in the art are intended to fall within the spirit and scope of the invention as described herein taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and the appended claim. 

1. A portable exercise apparatus for mounting above a door frame, the portable exercise apparatus comprising: a clamping member capable of being releasably secured above the door frame; a pull up bar mechanism; and a swivel joint mounted between the clamping member and the pull up bar mechanism; wherein the swivel joint permits full horizontal rotation of at least three hundred and sixty (360°) degrees of the pull up bar mechanism enabling a full rotation pull up workout.
 2. The portable exercise apparatus of claim 1 wherein the clamping member includes an L-shaped first clamping arm having a free end and a connecting end, an L-shaped second clamping arm having a free end and a connecting end, with the free ends of the first clamping arm and the second clamping arm facing each other, and a U-shaped connecting arm perpendicularly connected between the connecting ends of the first clamping arm and the second clamping arm.
 3. The portable exercise apparatus of claim 2 and further comprising: a first resilient pad mounted to the free end of the first clamping arm; and a second resilient pad mounted to the free end of the second clamping arm.
 4. The portable exercise apparatus of claim 2 and further comprising: a tension mechanism for moving the free ends of the first clamping arm and the second clamping arm in a general direction toward each other.
 5. The portable exercise apparatus of claim 4 wherein the tension mechanism is selected from the group consisting of an internal tensioning spring and a hand turned rotary screw.
 6. The portable exercise apparatus of claim 2 wherein the first clamping arm and the second clamping arm are adjustable relative to the connecting arm with an adjustable height button lock.
 7. The portable exercise apparatus of claim 1 wherein the swivel joint provides rotation of the pull up bar mechanism at least three hundred and sixty (360°) degrees.
 8. The portable exercise apparatus of claim 1 and further comprising: a vertical bar having a first end and a second end, the first end of the vertical bar connected to the clamping member; a first plate secured to the second end of the vertical bar; and a second plate secured to the pull up bar mechanism; wherein the swivel joint is connected between the first plate and the second plate.
 9. The portable exercise apparatus of claim 1 wherein the pull up bar mechanism includes a semicircular bracket and a pull up bar, and further wherein the pull up bar is supported between two free ends of the bracket.
 10. The portable exercise apparatus of claim 9 wherein the pull up bar of the pull up bar mechanism is covered with a textured rubber gripping surface.
 11. The portable exercise apparatus of claim 1 wherein the swivel joint is releasably lockable with an adjustable lock screw.
 12. The portable exercise apparatus of claim 1 and further comprising: a drawstring or zippered carry pouch, the portable exercise apparatus receivable within the carry pouch.
 13. A method for constructing a portable exercise apparatus and mounting above a door frame, the method comprising: providing a clamping member; providing a pull up bar mechanism; mounting a swivel joint mounted between the clamping member and the pull up bar mechanism; releasably securing the clamping member above the door frame; permitting full horizontal rotation of the pull up bar mechanism relative to the clamping member; and enabling a full rotation pull up workout.
 14. A portable exercise apparatus for mounting above a door frame, the portable exercise apparatus comprising: a clamping member comprising a first clamping arm having an L-shaped free end and a connecting end, an L-shaped second clamping arm having a free end and a connecting end, the free ends of the first clamping arm and the second clamping arm facing each other, and a U-shaped connecting arm perpendicularly connected between the connecting ends of the first clamping arm and the second clamping arm; a tension mechanism for moving the free ends of the first clamping arm and the second clamping arm in a general direction toward each other; a pull up bar mechanism comprising a semicircular bracket and a pull up bar, and further wherein the pull up bar is supported between two free ends of the bracket; and a swivel joint mounted between the clamping member and the pull up bar mechanism; wherein the clamping member is capable of being releasably secured above the door frame; and wherein the swivel joint permits full horizontal rotation of at least three hundred and sixty (360°) degrees of the pull up bar mechanism enabling a full rotation pull up workout.
 15. The portable exercise apparatus of claim 14 and further comprising: a first resilient pad mounted to the free end of the first clamping arm; and a second resilient pad mounted to the free end of the second clamping arm.
 16. The portable exercise apparatus of claim 14 wherein the tension mechanism is selected from the group consisting of an internal tensioning spring and a hand turned rotary screw.
 17. The portable exercise apparatus of claim 14 wherein the first clamping arm and the second clamping arm are adjustable relative to the connecting arm with an adjustable height button lock.
 18. The portable exercise apparatus of claim 14 and further comprising: a vertical bar having a first end and a second end, the first end of the vertical bar connected to the clamping member; a first plate secured to the second end of the vertical bar; and a second plate secured to the pull up bar mechanism; wherein the swivel joint is connected between the first plate and the second plate.
 19. The portable exercise apparatus of claim 14 wherein the pull up bar of the pull up bar mechanism is covered with a textured rubber gripping surface.
 20. The portable exercise apparatus of claim 14 and further comprising: a drawstring or zippered carry pouch, the portable exercise apparatus receivable within the carry pouch. 